What is this? Should I have bought it?

[02Pilot]

Came across this earlier today. I have no idea what it is.

No markings I could see, German Meyer-Optik Oreston lens in a small diameter bayonet mount. Shutter button on the left, presses in toward the body. Meter prism (no battery, couldn't test).

Curious about what it is. I'm not really an SLR guy, and I really don't need another camera, but if it's worth considerably more than the $20 price tag, I should probably go back and get it. Otherwise it will haunt me.

 

[Dave Jenkins]

Looks like a Practica or one of its siblings to me.

 

[Mark Wood]

It's an Exakta RTL1000 which shares some similarities with the Prakticas of the same vintage. The Oreston is a very nice lens (it became the "Pentacon" on later Prakticas).

 

[wes loder]

Late model Exakta

Late model Exakta

You're looking at one of the last Exaktas made shortly before the courts ruled that the West German "owners" had the rights to the Exakta name. It was an attempt to bring the Exakta into the late 20th Century. It did not go over very well and lasted only a short time. Should be able to use Exakta mount lenses—which is a small mount. WES

 

[NeeZee]

At least on German ebay they are not really rare and similar setups seem to go for 30-50 Euros there. So, not a bad deal if it works... kinda ugly, though, if you ask me 😉

 

[02Pilot]

Thanks guys. Neat piece in its own way, but nothing special. No regrets in leaving it then.